Jamie Spencer will not partner Crowded House in this month's Dubai World Cup.(credit:
sanstable)
Legendary American jockey John Velazquez will replace Jamie Spencer on Crowded House in the $10million Dubai World Cup at Meydan later this month.
Connections of the 2008 Racing Post Trophy winner believe that the American rider’s experience could prove vital in such a competitive race and the four-year-old’s chances of tasting UAE glory will be helped by a man who has already won the world’s richest race.
"This is no reflection on Jamie and he will be riding Crowded House again when he returns to Europe," trainer Brian Meehan explained.
"The World Cup is an American-style race run on an American-style track and connections feel that an American jockey would suit him better on this occasion."
Crowded House has finished a creditable second on his only two UAE outings so far at the Dubai Carnival and he was delivered late by Jamie Spencer on both occasions.
"We did say that Crowded House would need both races and we were very pleased with him on each occasion," Meehan went on.
"We have had World Cup day as the target all along and we have been very happy with him since his last run.
"He is working very well and we are very happy with him and we are very confident."
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